Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Virginia

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Virginia, commonly known as the Grand Lodge of Virginia, is a historic fraternal organization and the oldest continuous, independent Masonic grand lodge in the United States. The organization is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and has over 25,000 members across more than 276 lodges throughout the state.

History

The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formally constituted on October 30, 1778, with Williamsburg as its first headquarters. This historical milestone marked the centralization of Masonic authority in Virginia, previously under various grand lodges of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Pennsylvania. The lodge's establishment was crucial for Masonry in North America, as it provided a unified governing body for Freemasons in the region. In 1784, the Grand Lodge relocated its headquarters to Richmond, where it remains to this day.

Founding

The creation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia was preceded by a series of meetings and conventions. The first significant convention was held on May 6, 1777, in Williamsburg, where the need for a unified Grand Master was discussed. This was followed by a more decisive convention on June 23, 1777, which laid the groundwork for the election of a Grand Master. On October 30, 1778, John Blair, Jr., a Past Master of Williamsburg Lodge No. 6, was elected as the first Grand Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Notable Events

George Washington was invited to be the first Grand Master but declined, citing his military duties and the fact that he had not been installed as Master or Warden of a lodge. The Grand Lodge's formation was pivotal, as it marked a significant milestone in the development of Freemasonry in North America by creating an independent governing body for Masonic lodges.

Impact

The organization has played a significant role in Masonic leadership throughout its history. Williamsburg Lodge, in particular, has contributed several Grand Masters to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The Grand Lodge of Virginia is also notable for its role in the creation of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. During the American Civil War, when West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863, the Grand Lodge of West Virginia was formed in 1865, taking several lodges from the Grand Lodge of Virginia.

Structure and Practices

The Grand Lodge of Virginia oversees its constituent lodges, ensuring adherence to Masonic principles and practices. Freemasons in Virginia are required to conduct lodge business in the Master Mason degree, a practice standardized in the early 19th century. This approach emphasizes the full moral lessons of Freemasonry, which are only accessible by progressing through the degrees. Traditional Masonic celebrations, such as the feast days of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, remain significant events for lodges across Virginia.

Legacy

Today, the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Virginia continue to practice and promote the principles of Freemasonry. Through its extensive network of lodges, it supports community engagement, charitable activities, and personal development among its members. The organization's rich history and enduring presence make it a cornerstone of Masonic tradition in the United States.